Conditions

Global Navigation

Aneurysm

Once discovered, vascular surgeons can often repair aneurysms with stents or grafts.

An aneurysm is a weakened area of an artery wall that bulges or expands. Blood vessel walls can be weakened due to illness, injury or heredity. The risk of an aneurysm rupturing increases as it grows in size. A ruptured aneurysm causes internal bleeding that can lead to other serious life-threatening complications.

Symptoms

Aneurysms that occur within the body or brain usually do not cause symptoms before they rupture. However, aneurysms that occur near the skin's surface can often cause a visible mass that is painful and throbbing. A ruptured aneurysm is very dangerous and requires immediate emergency medical care.

Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include:

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Drop in blood pressure

Increased heart rate

Pain

Why choose Ohio State for aneurysm treatment?

The vascular surgeons at Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center have extensive experience with traditional open repair of aneurysms, including repair of complex cases. We are also expert at minimally invasive repairs, and have experience in the use of all of the available stent graft technologies available to treat a wide variety of aneurysms. Our participation in national clinical trials helps direct the development of the next generation of stent grafts for the treatment of aneurysms.

Diagnosis

Aneurysms are often not accompanied by symptoms. Because of this they are usually detected during an examination for another condition.

Ultrasound – A test that uses high-frequency sound waves and a monitor to create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs

Treatments

Treatment of an aneurysm depends on its size and the symptoms an individual may be experiencing. The goal is to prevent the aneurysm from ever rupturing. Medication to control high blood pressure and to lower cholesterol may be prescribed. Surgery may also be indicated.

There are generally two types of aneurysm repair surgeries:

Endovascular repair makes use of a catheter that guides a stent graft through small incisions in the groin. The graft is inserted into the aneurysm and seals the aneurysm from within.

Open surgical repair of the aneurysm may be recommended if the anatomy of the aneurysm does not allow for endovascular repair. In this procedure, the damaged area is removed and replaced with a graft.

A ruptured aneurysm is a very dangerous condition. Although it is possible to repair a ruptured aneurysm surgically, it is important to identify and treat aneurysms before a rupture occurs.

Live healthier and stay inspired.

Thank you! Look for your first email in your inbox soon.

We'll be in touch every so often with health tips, patient stories, important resources and other information you need to keep you and your family healthy. Welcome to our online community here at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center!